One of the most anticipated films of 2021 is Joel Coen’s awards contender, “The Tragedy of Macbeth.” And in early 2022, it appears Criterion is set to honor Joel Coen, along with his filmmaking brother, Ethan Coen, by adding the 1990 film, “Miller’s Crossing,” to the coveted Collection. But February 2022 has some other additions to the Criterion Collection that should get you excited.
As mentioned, “Miller’s Crossing” is getting a special edition release in February as part of its addition to the Criterion Collection. The release will feature a new 2K digital restoration of the film, approved by the director of photography Barry Sonnenfeld and filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen. In addition, there will be plenty of new interviews featuring the aforementioned Coens and Sonnenfeld, as well as folks such as composer Carter Burwell, music editor Todd Kasow, and production designer Dennis Gassner.
Another film being honored by Criterion is 1982’s “Boat People,” by filmmaker Ann Hui. One of the preeminent works of the Hong Kong New Wave, the feature shines the spotlight on the Vietnamese refugees who fled their home country after the Vietnam War. The Criterion release features a new 4K restoration approved by the filmmaker as well as a new conversation between Hui and filmmaker Stanley Kwan, who was the movie’s assistant director.
In addition to those two features, Criterion is also adding Leo McCarey’s “Love Affair” and Douglas Sirk’s “Written on the Wind” to the Collection. Both of those classics will also feature new restorations and plenty of special features, as per usual with these sorts of releases.